Striking pair of Mettlach (Villeroy & Boch) stoneware Art Nouveau era vases 1916.  Shouldered ovoid form with everted rim. Applied stylised leaf and flower motifs encircling the body with geometric bands over a textured, russet coloured body. Gilt to relief beaded bands. Overall look of the vases is reminiscent of earlier Aesthetic movement designs which influenced designers of the Art Nouveau era across Europe. Impressed Mettlach VB mark, design number 1596 and year mark for 1916 (placing them as made during WWI). The vases are 20 cm in height.
 
Both François Boch and Nicolas Villeroy had established successful potteries before merging in 1836 to form Villeroy and Boch. At this point they had three manufacturing sites – including one occupying the former Benedictine abbey in Mettlach which Boch had acquired in 1809. By the late 19th century Villeroy and Boch had grown to own seven factories, but the one at Mettlach, well known for its production of steins, became known by the name of the village and used the abbey as its logo. Mettlach also produced plaques, vases, jardinières, table wares, and more.